C Diminished is a dissonant chord often used for modulation.
In the following guide, you will learn how to play the C Diminished chord on a left-handed guitar. You’ll explore its construction from the notes C, E♭, G♭(G♭ = F♯), based on the Root, Minor 3rd, and Diminished 5th intervals of the C Major scale.
Left-handed chord diagrams and tips for finger placement are also included to help you incorporate C Diminished into your chord progressions.
Interested in learning more left-handed chords? Check out our left-handed chord library.
How to Play the C Diminished Chord
|
Fingering (right-hand): • Index finger (1st finger) on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string Strumming (left-hand): Strum between the 5th (A) and 2nd (B) strings only. |
* Please note: This (and all chord charts on this website) are shown in left-handed orientation.
Alternate C Diminished Chord Voicings
The chord voicings below represent alternative ways to play the C Diminished chord, using the same notes:C, E♭, G♭(G♭ = F♯), but arranged differently on the fretboard.
These variations provide tonal variety and adapt the chord to different musical contexts.
* Please note: This (and all chord charts on this website) are shown in left-handed orientation.
Tips For Playing the C Diminished Chord For Left-Handers
Here are some tips specific to playing the B diminished chord:
• Hand Relaxation: Avoid squeezing the neck too hard to reduce tension.
• Picking Precision: It can be challenging to only strum between the 5th and 2nd strings. Practice until perfect.
C Diminished Chord Construction
How Are Chords Constructed?
Chords can be constructed from scales by using scale degrees or intervals. Scale degrees indicate the position of each note within the scale, intervals describe the distance from the root note to other notes in the scale. For example, a major triad includes the root, the major 3rd, and the perfect 5th intervals derived from the A Major to create its distinct sound.
Being a diminished triad the C Diminished chord includes the Root, Minor 3rd, and Diminished 5th intervals derived from the C Major scale to create its distinct sound.
In terms of scale degrees, the C Diminished chord is built using the 1st, ♭3rd (The 3rd degree of the scale is lowered by one semitone), and ♭5th (The 5th degree of the scale is also lowered by one semitone) degrees of the C Major scale.
These degrees correspond to specific intervals that outline the notes of the chord.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the C Major scale showing how its notes contribute to constructing the C Diminished chord.
C Diminished Chord Construction
| Scale Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale Degree 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Intervals Root | R | M2 | M3 | P4 | P5 | M6 | M7 |
| C Major Scale Degrees | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Notes | C | D | E | F | G | A | B |
The notes that form the C Diminished chord are C, E♭, G♭(G♭ = F♯).
These notes are named according to music theory conventions, but their enharmonic equivalents are more familiar (e.g., E♯ = F, C♭ = B, E♭♭ = D, F♭ = E, G♭ = F♯, etc.) for practical understanding.
How Does C Diminished Chord Work in Music?
The C Diminished chord is often considered non-diatonic, as it is not built from the major scale’s diatonic triads. However, diminished chords can function diatonically in minor scales and are frequently used to create tension and connect other chords in progressions.
Leading Tone Function
The diminished chord acts as a vii° or vii°7 chord, resolving upward to the tonic chord with a strong sense of direction.
Passing Chord
It connects two diatonic chords with smooth chromatic motion, creating tension between them.
Resolution
It resolves chromatically or diatonically to a stable chord, releasing the tension it creates.
| Progression | Key | Possible Use of C Diminished |
|---|---|---|
| C → C Diminished → F | C Major | Adds chromatic movement between tonic (C) and subdominant (F). |
| G → C Diminished → C | C Major | Creates tension and resolves strongly to the tonic (C). |
| C Diminished → C | C Major | Resolves smoothly to the tonic (C), enhancing tension and release. |
- Diminished chords are a staple in classical music, where they build tension before resolving to a tonic chord.
- They are widely used in jazz, metal, and other genres to add drama and dissonance to harmonic progressions.
Wrapping Up
Understanding the C Diminished chord’s construction, role in progressions, and variations will allow you to incorporate C Diminished into your playing with confidence and creativity.
More left-hand resources like this are available from
our left-handed chord database page.
